MondayFirst day of camp! The morning began by jumping right into the focus of this week: experiments and scientific inquiry. We began our learning by testing different types of gum to see which could blow the best bubble. It turns out, a single piece of gum is more difficult than expected to blow good bubbles. However, we had some success and were able to determine that Bubble Gum was made better bubbles than Juicy Fruit and Spearmint. We made this conclusion based on some qualitative data, the size of bubbles.We spent the rest of the day using a few different types of liquids (water, soapy water, vinegar, soda, and lemon juice) in two different experiments: gummy bears and drops of liquid on a penny. We focused on introducing and learning the scientific method by developing questions, predictions (hypothesizes), collecting data, and making conclusions based on the results. Our gummy bears will soak in the different liquids all week and we will take daily observations to see how they change. It has been fun to see lots of returning students and even more new faces!
TuesdayTuesday began with observations of our gummy bears; some crazy things happened! Depending on the liquid, some bears became a blob while others have started to grow much larger. We will let them sit for another day to see what happens further. Our main experiment for the day was testing how different temperatures on reaction time. Using a ruler, one partner drops a ruler above another's hand to see how many cm pass before they caught it. We made predictions, a plan, and took observations to determine if heating up our hands with a heat lamp or cooling them down with an ice bath change our reaction times. Surprisingly, campers were 50/50 in those improving with hot or cold.
The final experiment for the day talked about how sometimes we accidently spill food on our clothes. How do we get it out? Detergent! We learned that detergent contains small machine molecules (enzymes) that help to break down food particles. To determine which detergent was most effective we added small amounts to a wells in a plate (petri dish) with jello in it. Knowing the size of the wells at the start and measuring the diameter tomorrow will help us to see how well each one works. Looking forward to finding out tomorrow! WednesdayToday at camp began with one of our favorite warm-up activities, the Build It Challenge. Groups select one camper to be the communicator who should be a good observer and communicator. These campers race to observe a structure built of various supplies and must provide instructions to their table partners (without touching the supplies). It is always a crazy hectic race but lots of fun!
We also spent the morning observing our jello plates to collect data and begin determining which detergent was best at dissolving jello. We will assess the detergents again tomorrow and take final measurements. We continued our learning of the scientific method by developing questions, predictions, taking observations and making conclusions of worms and their attraction to different foods, habitats, temperatures, or light colors (campers were able to develop their own question). It was interesting to learn the worm preferences while practicing these science principles. The afternoon was spent building an Einstein Camp favorite, roller coasters. We had some really cool designs with lots of loops, side loops, drops and event making cars move just by the kinetic energy from the marble. The activity provided a great opportunity to talk about the differences between potential and kinetic energy. Tomorrow we will begin using what we have learned this week to start developing our own experiments for the science far. |
ThursdayThursday began with a demonstration of everyone's rocket to the rest of the campers. All were exceptional and very creative! We examined a mini experiment observing Skittles in water to see how the colors separated from the candy and remained separated until students purposefully mixed, creating beautiful spiral designs.
The main focus of Thursday consisted of creating questions of wonder and developing experiments to attempt to answer those questions. In small groups students identified a question they hoped to answer. Throughout the week we have been learning the purpose of science (to ask and answer questions) and the scientific method. Campers identified a question, created a prediction (hypothesis), developed a plan of procedure and began collecting data. Tomorrow campers will host a science fair at the end of the day to show off their questions, experiments, and what they discovered. Please join us at 2:45 to observe their discoveries. Additionally, Mr. King & Mr. Rott will provide a pizza lunch (cheese and pepperoni) and other snacks for lunch. Please still send your campers with a lunch. FridayThe morning of our last day of camp began with a recap warm-up of topics we discussed during the week and time to finish our science fair experiment boards. Groups had some really interesting questions and found some really cool answers; they are excited to show off their work! After our pizza lunch, a few shorter experiments and activities comprised the afternoon. With many campers interested in chemistry, we examined the reaction of vinegar and eggs with a twist: hard boiling the eggs before soaking in vinegar. The reaction related to other activities done earlier in the week and the influence of acids on other particles. We also used a small magnifying glass to observed a variety of cool seeds, shells, coral, sea horse, rocks and a variety of other items. Our final engineering challenge was a tower build using marshmallows, which turned out to be far more messy than expected! Nonetheless, it was fun and interesting to see the different designs developed and discuss which were best for building the tallest tower.
Mr. King & Mr. Rott had a great week with all of the campers and were really impressed with how much the campers learned over the week. We hope everyone has a great rest of the summer and hope to see everyone back next year. Keep asking questions and finding answers! |